Hard Hats' Ladder to Prosperity Removed

Men who lack post-high school education often found employment in construction. But now that group has few job prospects in a labor market that increasingly favors brains over brawn.

Accusation Taints Moral Courage Award

Every year, commissioners in one Florida county give out the Moral Courage Award -- until a few weeks ago, when the prize's namesake was accused of tax fraud.

Detroit Coaxes Students to Roll Call

Michigan school districts mobilized to boost attendance for the fall roll call that largely determines how much money each district receives. The stakes were especially high for Detroit.

EPA Proposes Greenhouse-Gas Rules

The EPA proposed requiring new power plants, factories and oil refiners to obtain permits to emit greenhouse gases, putting pressure on Congress to pass climate legislation.

Supreme Court to Hear Gun Case

The Supreme Court agreed to decide whether strict local and state gun-control laws violate the Second Amendment, ensuring another high-profile battle over the rights of gun owners.

Gov. Pawlenty Paves Way for 2012 Run

Minnesota Gov. Pawlenty is launching a political action committee and Web site as he lays the groundwork for a potential presidential bid in 2012.

Treasury's PPIP Raises $1.13 Billion

Investors have agreed so far to put a modest $1.13 billion into a Treasury program to buy the toxic assets at the heart of the financial crisis.

Gates Doubts U.S.'s Afghan Strategy

Gates has voiced doubts about Afghan war strategy. The defense secretary is no longer convinced that a manpower-intensive counterinsurgency strategy advocated by his top commanders is the right way forward.

The Downside of Reducing Debt

Many Americans, most banks and some businesses are trying to lighten their debt loads. This prudent reaction to a borrowing binge that proved unwise hurts the economy.

The Next Hot Youth-Magnet Cities

We asked experts which cities will emerge as the hottest destinations for educated workers in their 20s.

Miniaturist's Art Comes With Microscope

Willard Wigan creates some of the smallest sculptures in the world, relying on a scalpel and a microscope to see what he's carving.

U.S. Starts Review of Afghan Strategy

The White House began to review its Afghan war strategy at the start of what could be weeks of debate over whether to send thousands of reinforcements.

Making Sense of Health-Care Debate

Three major bills in Congress offer different penalties and perks. Here's how the measures could affect you.